1. Project Overview

The Highjoule 2.5MW/4MWh Energy Storage System project is located on Latvia’s Baltic Sea coast, a region facing increasing demand for renewable energy and fluctuating power supply. To address the growing issue of grid instability, this project introduces an advanced energy storage system that acts as a counterbalance, ensuring a more reliable and steady power supply. With a total power output of 2.5MW and a storage capacity of 4MWh, the system aims to improve grid stability, optimize energy use, and support the smooth integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

As Latvia accelerates its transition to sustainable energy, the Highjoule energy storage system plays a vital role in ensuring a stable power supply, especially in the face of fluctuations in renewable energy. As a key pilot project, it not only provides valuable experience in energy storage and grid balancing, but also provides a viable foundation for future expansion.

2. Project Details

2.1 Application Scenarios

At its core, the Highjoule system serves to balance the Latvian power grid by capturing surplus energy when demand is low and releasing it when the grid is under strain. This dynamic response helps stabilize the grid, ensuring that energy is always available when needed most. The system participates in 15-minute electricity price trading, enabling real-time power dispatch, maximizing economic efficiency, and improving grid stability. Flexible power release ensures smooth grid integration of renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar), addressing the challenges associated with these energy fluctuations.

In addition, the system offers the following features:

• Optimizing Power Dispatch: The system rapidly responds to price fluctuations, ensuring energy storage during periods of low prices and release during periods of high prices, maximizing benefits for both electricity users and power companies.
• Enhancing Grid Stability: The system bolsters grid stability by absorbing surplus renewable generation and injecting power during demand spikes, effectively smoothing out the intermittency inherent to sources like wind and solar.
• Supporting Renewable Energy Integration: Providing grid support for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, improving the efficiency of Latvia’s overall energy system.

2.2 Installed Capacity

• Total Power Capacity: 2.5MW
• Energy Storage Capacity: 4MWh

This system provides reliable energy storage and discharge capabilities for the Latvian power grid, particularly as renewable energy becomes increasingly prevalent.

2.3 Core Equipment

• Energy Storage Unit: The system consists of two air-cooled battery containers, each with a storage capacity of 2MWh. Designed specifically for the Baltic Sea region’s climatic conditions, it is adaptable to diverse grid environments.
• Auxiliary Power System: Equipped with an AC distribution cabinet, it ensures smooth operation and optimized performance under varying load conditions.
• Power Conversion System (PCS): The bidirectional PCS efficiently converts power between the energy storage system and the grid, supporting efficient power distribution and grid connection.
• Energy Management System (EMS): The EMS is integrated with the Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor and optimize battery storage in real time, ensuring efficient system operation and maintaining battery health.

3. Project Advantages

3.1 Engineered for Durability on the Baltic Coast

The Baltic Sea coast is characterized by humid air and high salinity, environmental factors that can accelerate equipment corrosion. Therefore, the equipment used in this project utilizes a C5 corrosion-resistant design to ensure stable operation in this harsh environment, ensuring long-term durability and efficiency.

3.2 Agile Response to Market and Grid Signals

The Highjoule system rapidly responds to 15-minute electricity price fluctuations, optimizing power dispatch and maximizing economic benefits. This rapid response not only supports short-term market transactions but also contributes to grid balancing, ensuring the system can readily adapt to changes in power demand or supply.

3.3 Rapid Deployment and One-Stop Service

Highjoule delivers a comprehensive turnkey solution, encompassing rapid delivery, pre-assembled modules, and streamlined commissioning. This comprehensive service model significantly shortens installation time, accelerates system deployment, and reduces costs, helping utilities and energy suppliers realize the benefits of the system more quickly.

3.4 Safe and Sustainable Operation

The air-cooled battery design eliminates the complexity of a water cooling system and simplifies system maintenance. The system is also equipped with advanced safety features to effectively prevent electrical faults and overloads, ensuring safe operation under all circumstances.

4. Long-Term Impact and Sustainable Development

The implementation of the Highjoule 2.5MW/4MWh energy storage system project on Latvia’s Baltic coast is a key component in achieving sustainable energy development in the region. By improving grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy, the project will help reduce carbon emissions and advance Latvia’s transition to clean energy.

The modular design grants the system significant scalability, paving the way for future replication across Latvia and other Baltic states. As Latvia moves towards its renewable energy targets, the project will play a significant role in supporting the country’s broader environmental and energy goals.

With its advanced technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and improved energy efficiency, the Highjoule 2.5MW/4MWh energy storage system provides a sustainable and scalable solution that aligns with Latvia’s commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.